Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash has made a bold prediction about Serena Williams following her return to professional tennis at SW19, asserting that the 23-time Grand Slam winner could still defeat '75 per cent of the tour' despite her first-round exit.
Williams Falls to Maya Joint in Three Sets
Williams, who accepted two wildcards from the All England Club for her first professional singles contest in 1,396 days, showed glimpses of her best form but ultimately lost 3-6, 7-6, 3-6 to Australia's Maya Joint. The 44-year-old American fought back after going a set and a break down, but Joint held firm to reach the second round at Wimbledon for the first time in her career.
Cash Impressed by Williams' Level
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Cash admitted he was initially sceptical about Williams' comeback. 'I was a bit cynical and very curious about what was going to happen in this match,' he said. 'What we saw is two people playing very good tennis and Maya being able to handle the pace of Serena: not just the odd shot but it was constant. Serena played an incredible level.'
Cash contrasted Williams' performance with the recent struggles of her sister Venus, who has barely won a match in her own comebacks. 'I was kind of cringing, hoping that wouldn't be the case and it absolutely wasn't. Serena played very, very good tennis and I reckon she would have beaten 75 per cent of the tour the way she played today, even more, but Joint was equal to it.'
The 1987 Wimbledon champion added: 'It was incredibly high-standard tennis and, wow, if Serena plays this way and she wants to play some more tennis, she is going to be a real handful.'
Croft: Williams Clearly Prepared for Comeback
Former British tennis player Annabel Croft was equally impressed by Williams' capabilities and is confident that fans will see the seven-time Wimbledon champion play again. Asked if Williams might compete at the US Open in a few months, Croft said: 'I think so. This was her first match and that's what is so jaw-dropping about it. If that is the level of your first match back, imagine if she plays a bit more?'
Citing the physical demands, Croft noted: 'I guess the factor will be if her body can stand up to it. How is she going to feel tomorrow and had she won today, then she'd have to keep backing up matches.' However, she added: 'Now I'm looking at it thinking, no, you have been secretly practising for weeks, months; smacking balls and you are as fit as you can possibly be and so prepared for this comeback at Wimbledon. There is no question about that.'
Williams' Statement and Doubles Plans
Williams did not speak to the media after her first-round defeat, but said in a brief statement: 'It was really great to be back at Wimbledon. I never expected to be here. The atmosphere was amazing. Walking out was amazing. I definitely relished it and missed it and enjoyed the moment more than anything.'
She is scheduled to return to doubles action with her sister Venus against Solana Sierra and Camila Osorio. Williams' future plans beyond Wimbledon remain unclear, but Cash and Croft's comments suggest a potential continued singles campaign.
